The Human Bullet Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?

What Happens at the End of The Human Bullet?

A soldier has been in the Japanese military for the entirety of WWII, and in that time, his dedication to the army has never faltered. However, as the war draws to a close, his commanding officers become increasingly desperate and push their men to ever more absurd extremes. The ridiculousness of the orders from above peak when the hero of the story is assigned to drive a one-man submarine straight into the hull of an enemy battleship.

Kihachi Okamoto's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Minori Terada (Him)'s journey. However, as the war draws to a close, his commanding officers become increasingly desperate and push their men to ever more absurd extremes.

How Does Minori Terada (Him)'s Story End?

• Minori Terada: Minori Terada's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Naoko Ohtani (The Girl): Naoko Ohtani's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Yūnosuke Itō (Skipper): Yūnosuke Itō's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

Is The Human Bullet Based on a True Story?

Yes — The Human Bullet draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though Kihachi Okamoto has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.

What Does the Ending of The Human Bullet Mean?

The ending of The Human Bullet brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Minori Terada's story may not satisfy all audiences.